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AFC East Notes: Jets, Harry, Harris

June 2nd, 2019 at 12:39pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s take a quick swing around the AFC East:

  • Rich Cimini of ESPN.com says the Jets may have their new GM by the end of the week, and in keeping with all other reports we’ve heard to date, he says that Eagles VP of player personnel Joe Douglas is expected to be the guy. Gang Green began their meeting with Douglas last night, and the visit is continuing today.
  • Cimini says the weakest position group on the Jets‘ roster may be the cornerbacks. The position was suspect last year, and New York did little to address those deficiencies this offseason. The free agent cupboard is predictably pretty bare at this point, but the team could still reunite with Morris Claiborne, and the Jets will surely be on the lookout for other clubs’ cap casualties.
  • The Patriots have typically deployed smaller, shiftier players as their punt returners, but Mike Reiss of ESPN.com says the club has tried first-round draft pick N’Keal Harry (6-2, 228) in that role during OTAs. Reiss says Harry, who returned 14 punts over his final two collegiate seasons — including a 92-yard house call — has acquitted himself well thus far.
  • Dolphins 2017 first-rounder Charles Harris finds himself at the top of the team’s edge rusher depth chart despite his disappointing performance over his first two years in the league. But as Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com writes, new head coach Brian Flores is encouraged by what he has seen thus far. This offseason, Harris has spent more time upright as an OLB instead of with his hand in the dirt as a traditional 4-3 DE, and that may better suit his strengths. Flores said, “I can’t say enough good things about [Harris]. … Honestly, I don’t care about his past. I care about right now. … He’s smart. He’s hard-working. He’s got a lot of ability.” If Harris does not begin to live up to his potential, he may not be in Miami in 2020.
  • We wrote earlier today that the Dolphins hope to trade Reshad Jones.

Extra Points: CBA, Jets GM Search, Wilkerson, Ravens

June 1st, 2019 at 9:30pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Fears of a potential future lockout picked up again earlier this week, when we learned the NFLPA was telling agents to advise their clients to save money in the event of a work stoppage in 2021, when the current CBA expired. Turns out, things might not be so dire after all. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports wrote about that leak, as well as the recent rumors the league would push for an 18-game regular season, and he thinks it’s all performative. La Canfora writes that both sides have to publicly posture, and that “no one wants to give off the air they are rolling over too much.”

La Canfora hears that preliminary negotiations are actually going very well, noting that the NFL and NFLPA “seem more aligned than anytime in recent memory.” In regards to an 18-game schedule or work stoppage, he says he’s “yet to speak to anyone on either side who envisioned either of these scenarios actually playing out.” One source told La Canfora that “everyone involved in this process feels really good about the negotiations.” Interestingly, La Canfora predicts that an “extra playoff game will be added to each conference,” and roster sizes will be expanded when it’s all said and done.

Here’s more from around the league:

  • The Jets’ general manager search continues to barrel on, but a resolution seems increasingly near. Eagles exec Joe Douglas has been viewed as the favorite for a while now, and La Canfora goes even further. In the same piece, La Canfora writes that “sources said there was already some contact between those parties prior to Douglas’ scheduled formal interview, and people in other front offices would be shocked if he does not take this job.” He adds that Douglas “will be the team’s next general manager barring some unforeseen breakdown between the sides.” La Canfora also scoops that if things do unexpectedly go sideways in the negotiations, “then Chicago exec Champ Kelly, who also has a prior relationship with Adam Gase, is viewed as the next in line.”
  • We found out earlier tonight that free agent Muhammad Wilkerson had been arrested and charged with DWI, and now we have more details. Wilkerson admitted to drinking, telling officers he “had one shot and two beers,” per Rebecca Rosenberg and Larry Celona of the New York Post. Wilkerson had some tough luck, as he was just barely over the legal limit. Wilkerson apparently had a BAC of .09, only slightly above the legal limit of .08. It’s unclear if that will help with his potential discipline from the league, but it could potentially earn him some leniency.
  • We have an update on the Ravens’ two rookie wide receivers, courtesy of Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic (Twitter link). First round pick Marquise Brown is still recovering from his Lisfranc foot surgery, and “training camp remains the hope for his return.” Initially the hope was minicamp back in March, but that turned out not to be the case. Meanwhile the Ravens’ third round pick, Miles Boykin, is dealing with a hamstring strain, and Zrebiec writes he “should be getting closer to return.” Boykin and Brown are the only two of the Ravens’ draft picks not to sign yet, although that’s likely not related to their respective injuries. Still, it’s not great that they’re having to miss significant portions of their first offseason.

East Rumors: Norman, Jets, Dolphins

June 1st, 2019 at 4:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

As teams continue studying their respective rosters during OTA sessions, here is where some of the franchises in the East divisions stand:

  • While Josh Norman has not lived up to the contract that pays him $15MM per year, the Redskins do not appear to be planning anything radical regarding his employment. The team has not engaged in discussions on a possible post-June 1 Norman release, J.P. Finlay of NBC Sports Washington writes. Washington would save $11MM by cutting the 31-year-old cornerback, who graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 50 corner last season, but old-school post-June 1 releases do not occur often anymore. The Redskins’ corner corps would obviously take a hit without Norman. Two seasons remain on Norman’s deal.
  • The Jets wrapped up their interview with Saints exec Terry Fontenot. They will begin their Joe Douglas meetings tonight and continue them on Sunday, per ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini (on Twitter). Douglas remains Adam Gase‘s preferred hire, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News tweets, adding there does not seem to be a big chance CEO Christopher Johnson goes in a different direction.
  • Mark Walton is facing three pending legal cases but remains in contention for a Dolphins backup job. Two of the running back’s hearings will occur this week. In one of those, a Wednesday matter that overlaps with Dolphins minicamp, his attorney will be making a court appearance for him to allow the embattled ex-Bengal to practice with his new team, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald notes. Walton is trying to secure Miami’s No. 3 running back job, behind Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage. Miami drafted Washington alum Myles Gaskin in Round 7 and picked up former Chargers back Kenneth Farrow earlier this year.
  • In addition to the ACL tear Reuben Foster suffered, the former first-round pick also must rehab LCL damage.
  • Ezekiel Elliott‘s run-in with a security officer at a Las Vegas concert could produce another suspension for the Cowboys’ two-time rushing champion.

Latest On Jets’ GM Search

May 31st, 2019 at 10:06am CST by Ben Levine

The Jets are set to interview Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas this weekend for their general manager opening. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets that the “scouting community” assumes that Douglas will ultimately be hired for the gig.

If this ends up being the case, La Canfora notes that it will have an impact on some of the organization’s other front office hirings. For instance, the reporter says NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah would not be joining Douglas’ hypothetical staff. On the flip side, former Browns GM (and recent AAF GM) Phil Savage could be a possibility for a role.

Douglas has been considered a frontrunner for the position for some time. The executive spent the past three seasons as the Eagles’ vice president of player personnel, and he played a major role in constructing the Super Bowl LII-winning roster. He was reportedly in consideration for the Texans’ GM position in 2018, but the Eagles denied Houston’s interview request.

The Jets have been connected to a number of additional GM candidates, including Scott Fitterer (Seahawks co-director of player personnel), Terry Fontenot (Saints director of pro scouting) and Champ Kelly (Bears assistant director of player personnel). We learned yesterday that Vikings assistant general manager George Paton turned down the Jets’ request for an interview.

Following former GM Mike Maccagnan‘s firing, Jeremiah surprisingly emerged as an option for “a prominent front-office position.” However, the NFL Network analyst later said that he never talked with the organization. Considering his lack of front office experience, it’s unlikely the Jets considered for much more than a lead scouting role.

Savage has served as both a coach and an executive during his long football career. He had a front office stint with the Ravens that lasted almost a decade, and he eventually moved on to Cleveland as their GM. Savage made headlines during the 2007 draft, when he selected lineman Joe Thomas third-overall before trading up for quarterback Brady Quinn. Savage was fired in 2008, and he spent the following few years with the Eagles. In 2019, the 54-year-old served as the general manager for the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football.

Jets To Interview Joe Douglas This Weekend

May 29th, 2019 at 6:30pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas will interview for the Jets’ vacant general manager position over the weekend, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link).

New York is searching for a new GM after firing Mike Maccagnan following the 2019 draft. For now, first-year head coach Adam Gase is running Gang Green’s personnel department as interim general manager, but the club wants to get a full-time executive in place.

Douglas, for his part, was among the first candidates mentioned to potentially replace Maccagnan, and has been viewed as the front-runner for the job from the outset. Indeed, most speculation involving Douglas has revolved around his willingness to accept the Jets’ gig, not New York’s interest in him.

A longtime NFL executive, Douglas spent 16 years in the Ravens’ personnel department before joining the Eagles in 2016. He was reportedly in consideration for the Texans’ GM position in 2018, but the Eagles denied Houston’s interview request.

Here’s a look at the other rumored candidates for the Jets’ job, via PFR’s GM Search Tracker:

Jets Notes: Jets, Kelly, Douglas, Gase

May 29th, 2019 at 10:41am CST by Zachary Links

Champ Kelly‘s interview for the Jets‘ GM vacancy will take place next week, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (on Twitter). Kelly is one of five candidates presently scheduled to interview for the job following Wednesday’s addition of Saints exec Terry Fontenot.

Here’s more on Gang Green:

  • Multiple GMs believe the Jets already decided on hiring Eagles exec Joe Douglas when they fired Mike Maccagnan after the draft, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com hears. Meanwhile, there’s skepticism about whether Vikings assistant GM George Paton will give serious consideration to the job after turning the Jets down twice before. “Why would George even take the interview?” said a high-ranking NFL official. “I wouldn’t take it. He doesn’t need to do that now.”
  • Interesting note from Mike Florio of PFT: The Jets do not have to cede control of the 53-man roster in order to hire an executive who is under contract with another team. Rules dictate that the Jets offer “the primary authority over all personnel decisions related to the signing of free agents, the selection of players in the College Draft, trades, and related decisions; and…the primary responsibility for coordinating other football activities with the head coach.” However, the rules explicitly state: “Final authority regarding the composition of the 53-player roster is not a requirement.” Head coach Adam Gase currently has 53-man roster control and it has been said that the Jets are unwilling to tweak that arrangement.

Latest On Jets’ GM Search

May 27th, 2019 at 5:34pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

We have another update on the Jets’ search for a general manager as you’re hopefully enjoying Memorial Day, this time courtesy of Albert Breer of SI.com. So far, the Jets have requested interviews with four candidates. While the request part is often a formality, it sounds like the Jets might not actually get everybody on their list.

Breer was told that “it remains unclear if Minnesota exec George Paton will accept” his interview request. Paton has been a hot GM candidate in the past, though he has pulled his name from consideration multiple times, so it’s not too surprising he’s being selective here. Paton is clearly comfortably with the Vikings, and will only leave for the perfect opportunity.

While they might not end up interviewing Paton, Chicago’s Champ Kelly and Seattle’s Scott Fitterer are both going to meet with Jets brass. Breer reports that Fitterer’s interview is scheduled for Thursday and Friday. Breer reiterates that Eagles exec Joe Douglas “remains the favorite,” and he writes that he’s “the one hire the Jets can make that could mitigate the public relations mess of the last few weeks,” citing his “sterling reputation as an evaluator” and “ability to assemble a loaded scouting staff.”

If the Jets do end up hiring Douglas, who has a longstanding relationship with Jets coach and interim GM Adam Gase, that doesn’t mean none of the other candidates will be joining the new front office. Breer notes that “there’s a belief in scouting circles that if Kelly doesn’t get the GM job, he could still land in Jersey working under Douglas.”

As of now, Douglas seems like a strong favorite. Gase has insisted that Jets owner/CEO Christopher Johnson will have final say, but everybody seems to believe Gase is calling the shots. Douglas was the Bears’ director of college scouting when Gase was the offensive coordinator in Chicago in 2015.

Poll: Who Should Jets Hire As GM?

May 25th, 2019 at 10:27am CST by Ben Levine

It’s been 10 days since the Jets suddenly fired general manager Mike Maccagnan, leaving a major hole atop their front office. Yesterday, we finally got some clarity on definitive candidates, as the organization requested interviews with Eagles executive Joe Douglas and Bears assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly.

Following reports of tension between Maccagnan and head coach Adam Gase, Kelly would seemingly be a good choice. The two have a history that dates back to their tenures with the Broncos, with Denver earning four division titles during Kelly’s five seasons as Assistant Director of Pro Personnel. Kelly also played a role in signing eight veteran free agents who would go on to earn Pro Bowl nods with the Broncos.

The executive has spent the past four years with the Bears, including the last two as the team’s Assistant Director of Player Personnel. In this role, Kelly has directed both Chicago’s pro personnel and college scouting departments. Kelly was one of the Fritz Pollard Alliance’s recommended GM candidates this offseason, but he didn’t get an interview in the thick of the cycle.

Despite Gase’s connection to Kelly, Douglas is reportedly his top choice for the position. Douglas spent the past three seasons as the Eagles’ vice president of player personnel, and he played a major role in constructing the Super Bowl LII-winning roster. Douglas had a brief stint with the Bears in 2015 after having spent the previous 16 years with the Ravens. Douglas is expected to be choosy when it comes to his next opportunity. Many pundits are questioning the Jets’ power structure given the timing and nature of Maccagnan’s firing, so it’s uncertain if Douglas would be willing to take on the challenge.

Besides Kelly and Douglas, the Jets have also been connected to Peyton Manning. Following Maccagnan’s firing, there were rumblings that the Jets were eyeing the future Hall of Fame quarterback for the open GM gig. However, subsequent reports have indicated that the notion of Manning becoming the Jets’ GM is “unrealistic,” with a source stating that being an NFL GM is “not a job he seems to want.”

Of course, there’s also Gase, who earned the interim GM tag following Maccagnan’s ouster. The head coach has been relatively busy since taking on the job; he’s moved on from a pair of former draft picks (tight end Jordan Leggett and linebacker Darron Lee), and he’s added wideout Deonte Thompson. There were reports that Gase was opposed to Le’Veon Bell‘s lucrative contract, and the organization’s apparent trust in their head coach indicates that he’ll surely have a say in future transactions (assuming he doesn’t maintain the GM role).

There are a number of additional candidates who could emerge in the coming days. We learned earlier this week that Gase would be receptive to a number of GM hires, including the 49ers’ Adam Peters and the Lions’ Lance Newmark. Additionally, Jets ownership is believed to “think highly” of Vikings exec George Paton.

So that brings us to today’s question: who should Christoper Johnson hire as the team’s next GM? Should they bring on Douglas, Kelly, or another executive from outside the organization? Should they take a flyer on Manning, who has no front office experience? Should they allow Gase to maintain control over the 53-man roster?

Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section.

Jets Request Interviews With Douglas, Kelly

May 24th, 2019 at 2:56pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jets have requested interviews with Eagles executive Joe Douglas and Bears assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly for their GM vacancy, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Douglas was immediately connected to the Jets job after Maccagnan’s firing and Kelly name emerged hours later.

[RELATED: Jets Won’t Try To Trade Le’Veon Bell]

Kelly has history with head coach Adam Gase dating back to their time with Denver. For the last two seasons, he’s served as a top official with the Bears. Kelly was one of the Fritz Pollard Alliance’s recommended GM candidates this offseason, but did not get an interview in the thick of the cycle.

Douglas, meanwhile, is said to be Gase’s top choice for the role. Still, Douglas is expected to be choosy when it comes to his next opportunity and many in the football world are questioning the Jets’ power structure given the timing and nature of Maccagnan’s firing.

Latest On Jets’ GM Search Process

May 23rd, 2019 at 8:21pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Jets’ search for a new general manager will likely ramp up after the upcoming holiday weekend, as Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports indicates in a series of tweets. As the process unfolds, key questions could involve the potential return of Jets owner Woody Johnson (currently serving as a U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom) and the willingness of head coach Adam Gase to surrender control of the 53-man roster, per Robinson.

Johnson’s brother Christopher is currently running the Jets and made the decision to fire ex-GM Mike Maccagnan and install Gase in an acting personnel capacity. But prospective GM candidates are, perhaps rightly, concerned at the prospect of Woody Johnson returning to helm the franchise in the near future.

Eagles executive Joe Douglas is still Gase’s top choice for general manager, according to Robinson, but he’d probably be the No. 1 option for any number of GM openings. Douglas is expected to be choosy when it comes to his next opportunity, and Robinson invokes Colts GM Chris Ballard — who was picky before ending up in Indianapolis — as a comparison.

There are reportedly a number of candidates whom Gase would accept as GM, per Robinson, including the 49ers’ Adam Peters, the Bears’ Champ Kelly, and the Lions’ Lance Newmark. Additionally, Jets ownership is believed to “think highly” of Vikings exec George Paton. None of those names have been officially linked to the New York job as of yet.

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